Scientific Sessions

Industrial Catalysis and Process Intensification

Industrial catalysis is central to large-scale chemical manufacturing, enabling efficient production of fuels, chemicals, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. Catalysts accelerate reactions, improve selectivity and yield, and reduce energy consumption, making processes economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Industrial catalysts include heterogeneous systems such as metals, metal oxides, and zeolites, as well as homogeneous catalysts like metal complexes and acids/bases, tailored for specific reactions. Applications range from hydrocarbon refining, ammonia synthesis, and hydrogenation reactions to fine chemical production and pollution control, highlighting the critical role of catalysis in modern industry.

Process intensification complements industrial catalysis by optimizing reactor design, heat and mass transfer, and reaction conditions to achieve higher efficiency, reduced footprint, and lower energy consumption. Techniques include microreactors, membrane reactors, multiphase reactors, and integrated reaction-separation systems, which enhance performance while minimizing waste. Advanced tools such as computational modeling, real-time process monitoring, and artificial intelligence enable precise control and scale-up of catalytic processes. Together, industrial catalysis and process intensification drive sustainable, high-performance chemical manufacturing, supporting economic growth while reducing environmental impact and resource consumption.